Orthodontics Treatment For Teens Vista, CA
The teen years (between the ages of 12 and 16) are the most common time for orthodontic treatment because most permanent teeth will be in place.
Luckily, some new solutions work to make the treatment process much easier than ever before.
All About Teen Orthodontics in Vista CA
Experienced orthodontists like Dr. Albaugh can easily recognize issues with spacing, crowding, bite, and alignment in this age range, and your teen’s bone and jaw structure are formed enough to allow orthodontic treatment to begin.
Some patients are starting treatment for the first time, while others may have started Phase 1 treatment at an earlier age and are ready for full orthodontic treatment.
Beyond outward appearances, untreated dental problems can have a lasting impact on your teen’s oral and overall health.
If you notice any of the following issues, we recommend a free consultation with Dr. Albaugh at The Smile Patio Orthodontics, since they could be signs your teen may benefit from orthodontic treatment.
- Early, late, or irregular loss of their baby teeth
- Difficulty with chewing or biting
- Crowding or extra spacing between teeth
- Jaws that shift or make sounds
- Frequent biting of the cheek or the inside of the mouth
- Teeth that meet abnormally or not at all
- Jaws and teeth that are out of proportion to the rest of the face
- Protrusion of teeth
Bad Bites
Diagnosing and successfully treating certain bite problems can have short-term and long-term benefits.
Problems classified as “bad bites” can often be minimized with the proper orthodontic treatment, including:
- Crooked or crowded teeth
- Missing or extra teeth
- An overbite or underbite
- Incorrect jaw position
- A disorder of the jaw joint
Benefits of a Straight Smile
Straight teeth that respond well to orthodontic treatment have many benefits, including:
- Being less prone to wear and tear, chipping, and tooth trauma
- Being easier to keep clean, helping to prevent tooth decay and cavities
- Reducing the chances of developing gum disease, which can result in bone loss, decay, and tooth loss
- Improving proper chewing and digestion of food
- Improved self-confidence with a smile you love
Our Ortho Expert Provides the Following Treatment in Vista CA
Choose Your Look
While creating a customized treatment plan for your teen, we might recommend an orthodontic appliance.
Here at The Smile Patio Orthodontics, we offer:
Metal Braces in Vista CA
Braces have come a very long way, even within the past decade. When many people think of braces, they think of bulky metal brackets.
We don't use this type of bulky orthodontic appliance. Many of the new braces are lighter and more comfortable than ever before.
At The Smile Patio Orthodontics, we use the Pitts21 bracket system. This aesthetically designed self-ligating system provides extremely precise tooth control for greater comfort and shorter treatment times.
We also use a technique called Smile Arc Protection to go beyond correcting your bite and create a wide, beautiful smile that preserves the natural curvature of your mouth.
Ceramic Braces in Vista CA
Also known as clear braces, these work the same way metal braces do but feature brackets made of tooth-colored ceramic materials.
They blend in with your teen’s smile, making them much less obvious. Since ceramic braces are slightly more prone to breaking, and a little costlier than metal braces, they won’t be the best choice for every patient.
Invisalign® For Teens in Vista CA
The Invisalign system is made up of a series of fully customized, clear trays called aligners. These aligners are nearly invisible and totally removable.
Made of soft plastic, they provide a more comfortable orthodontic experience, with no friction or abrasions inside your teen’s mouth. Invisalign works best for mild to moderate orthodontic issues, and may not be an option if your teen needs more serious treatment.
Each week your teen will switch their aligner for the next in the set. When worn the recommended 20-22 hours per day, your teen’s teeth will gradually move into the desired positions.